Every day in America, an estimated 4,000 people are arrested for driving under the influence. It's a staggering number, but for those who become part of the statistics, a DUI incident can be a deeply personal and life-shattering event. As you navigate your way through courts, fines, and new restrictions on your daily life, follow these four steps to ensure that you emerge from the experience on your feet and ready to begin anew. 

Monitoring Your Credit Score

Between lawyer fees, fines, property damage, time lost at work and heightened insurance rates, you may quickly find yourself standing at the edge of a financial abyss after a DUI conviction. Many individuals are forced to put the accruing expenses on a credit card or take out loans, and if you lose your income even temporarily, your credit rating may begin to suffer. Credit is vital for establishing a normal life again once the DUI proceedings are over, so do everything in your power to spread out the debt and make your payments on time. 

Securing Transportation to Work

Most individuals convicted of a DUI have their license temporarily suspended, which can be disastrous when paired with the other stresses of your situation. The worst thing you can do during this period is to drive on a suspended license, which opens you up to further punishment and restrictions. Many states allow citizens convicted of a DUI to drive to and from work. If that is not an option for you, you will need to consult with your employer and investigate alternative methods, such as public transportation, bicycling, or carpooling. 

Following Your Sentencing Instructions 

Most DUI convictions include mandatory education and programs designed to prevent you from offending again. Although these can seem tedious and time-consuming, they can also be used to demonstrate your cooperation and sincere desire to reform yourself. This can be especially helpful during job interviews and any court hearings to restore your license or other privileges, so follow your court-ordered instructions religiously.  

Minimizing the Damage With a DUI Attorney

Hiring a DUI attorney is one of the smartest moves you can make following an arrest for DUI. A specialist in the field of DUI cases will know your local laws inside and out, and may even be able to have your case dismissed or lessened in severity. Even if your case continues, your attorney will help you meet important deadlines, secure funding and get the court process over with as quickly as possible. A DUI can disrupt your entire existence, but it does not need to ruin it. By arming yourself with an attorney and complying fully with the law, you can emerge from the experience relatively unscathed and ready to put your life back together. For assistance, talk to an attorney like Jack Weatherill Law Offices.